Washington: In a major decision, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday removed Rex Tillerson as the Secretary of State.

He announced that Rex Tillerson will be replaced by CIA director Mike Pompeo.

Trump made the announcement on Twitter.

Trump thanked Rex Tillerson for his service.

He also said that the new Secretary of State will do a 'fantastic job '.

Trump announced that he has nominated Gina Haspel to be the first woman director of the CIA.

He tweeted: "Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!."

Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!

The announcement has been made at a time when the US is preparing for a probable meeting between North Korea leader Kim Jong-un and Trump.

A senior White House official told the BBC about the timing of the announcement: "The president wanted to make sure to have his new team in place in advance of the upcoming talks with North Korea and various ongoing trade negotiations."